Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Tesfamariam Teklu Gebretsadik, Amanual Hadera Tesfay, Asfaw Gebretsadik Gebru, Elias Assayehegn, Ykalo Hadush Desta, Kalayou Hiluf Gebremedhin, Hagos Gebrehiwet, Taame Berhanu Teklemedhin
Summary: This work focuses on the characterization and comparative study of agave americana and agave sisalana leaf fibers as potential alternatives to synthetic fibers in engineering applications. The physical-chemical and mechanical properties of the fibers were determined using various analytical procedures and instruments. The results indicate that both agave fibers possess unique features that make them desirable as reinforcement fibers for composite engineering, with different compositions and microstructures.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL FIBERS
(2023)
Review
Plant Sciences
Sarah C. Davis
Summary: This article discusses the key characteristics of Agave americana as a novel crop, including high yield and cold tolerance, and explores breeding directions. Agave americana can be used for fiber, sweeteners, bioproducts, and bioethanol production, and it also has resilient traits for changing climate conditions.
Article
Materials Science, Paper & Wood
Bhargavi Ram Thimmiah, Gobi Nallathambi
Summary: This study aimed to optimize and functionalize Agave americana fibres by varying process parameters, using multiple analytical techniques to confirm the changes in fibre properties. The results demonstrated successful functionalization of the fibres, improving surface roughness and porosity.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
May Ling Lu, Charles E. Wyman
Summary: Biofuels have the potential to help California quickly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector, with agave being a particularly promising energy crop due to its drought tolerance and high productivity. Compositional analysis of wild A. deserti and cultivated A. americana suggests they can be rich in fructans and have low recalcitrance, making them potential biofuel feedstocks in the State.
Article
Agronomy
Sarah C. Davis, John T. Abatzoglou, David S. LeBauer
Summary: The study highlights the adaptation of Agave plants to high temperatures and drought conditions, suggesting that cultivating Agave can help address the challenges of rising temperatures and water scarcity in the future. Furthermore, it shows that the biomass production of Agave could increase with potential benefits in a warming climate.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Ignacio Cabezudo, Maria-Rocio Meini, Carla C. Di Ponte, Natasha Melnichuk, Carlos E. Boschetti, Diana Romanini
Summary: This study optimized the extraction of polyphenols from soybean hull by alkaline hydrolysis treatment and identified various antioxidant compounds present in soybean hull using LC-MS. Alternative extraction methods based on Aspergillus oryzae fermentation and a-amylase hydrolysis were also proposed in this research.
Article
Food Science & Technology
Pu Xia, Mirja Kaizer Ahmmed, Ali Rashidinejad
Summary: This study determined the best extraction method for phenolic compounds in New Zealand damson plums. Accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) using ethanol and water was found to be the most effective method, resulting in an extract with higher antioxidant activity compared to ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE), enzyme-assisted extraction (EAE), and a combined method (E + UAE). The extraction time over 40 minutes decreased the yield regardless of the solvent used.
Article
Materials Science, Textiles
Sivakoti Ramana, Awadhesh Kumar Tripathi, Ajay Kumar, Pradip Dey, Jayanta Kumar Saha, Ashok K. Patra
Summary: Agave americana showed high tolerance to low levels of Cd contamination but significant reduction in biomass at higher levels. Cd mainly accumulated in roots with exclusion mechanism as the principal physiological tolerance mechanism. Due to its reproductive capacity, it is suitable for phytostabilization of Cd-contaminated soils.
JOURNAL OF NATURAL FIBERS
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Alexandra G. Duran, Javier Benito, Francisco A. Macias, Ana M. Simonet
Summary: Agave saponins have been identified as a valuable resource for the development of new agrochemicals. By optimizing extraction methods and testing various saponin fractions, researchers found that certain fractions from Agave species within the subgenus Agave showed high levels of activity when tested on wheat etiolated coleoptiles. Utilizing advanced techniques like UPLC-MS and NMR spectroscopy, the study identified 20 aglycones in the saponin fractions without the need for isolation or hydrolysis. Additionally, the study highlighted the potential use of these saponins for developing natural herbicides, showing promising results against weeds.
Article
Plant Sciences
Larissa Lopes Cruz, Bruno Stefano Ferreira Silva, Gabriel Gomes Araujo, Thais Leal-Silva, Veronyca Goncalves Paula, Maysa Rocha Souza, Thaigra Souza Soares, Rafaianne Queiroz Moraes-Souza, Gean Charles Monteiro, Giuseppina Pace Pereira Lima, Debora Cristina Damasceno, Gustavo Tadeu Volpato
Summary: This study evaluated the phytochemical and hypoglycemic effects of Curatella americana extract and its maternal-fetal effects on diabetic rats. The results showed that the extract improved lipid metabolism but had no significant effect on hyperglycemic control in diabetic rats. Additionally, the extract caused embryo losses and abnormal fetal development, highlighting the need for caution when using medicinal plants during pregnancy.
JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Food Science & Technology
J. A. Serna-Jimenez, L. S. Torres-Valenzuela, A. Sanin Villarreal, C. Roldan, M. A. Martin, J. A. Siles, A. F. Chica
Summary: Two methods of extracting caffeine and total polyphenols from coffee pulp waste were evaluated. The ultrasound-assisted extraction (USAE) method showed higher extraction performance and lower energy requirement, making it a promising alternative for extracting biocompounds from coffee pulp waste.
LWT-FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Plant Sciences
Zoe P. Morreeuw, David Castillo-Quiroz, Leopoldo J. Rios-Gonzalez, Raul Martinez-Rincon, Norma Estrada, Elda M. Melchor-Martinez, Hafiz M. N. Iqbal, Roberto Parra-Saldivar, Ana G. Reyes
Summary: The study compared the content of active compounds such as flavonoids in Agave lechuguilla waste biomass from different locations and evaluated the impact of extractive solvents and storage conditions on flavonoid recovery. Results showed variations in total polyphenolics content but similar total flavonoid content among regions; higher flavonoid content was found in ethanolic extracts, and flavonoids remained stable after sealed storage.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Marek Wojnicki, Magdalena Luty-Blocho, Przemyslaw Kwolek, Marta Gajewska, Robert P. Socha, Zbigniew Pedzich, Edit Csapo, Volker Hessel
Summary: A novel method for synthesizing Pt nanoparticles using a microwave autoclave reactor is proposed in this study, with the application of high temperature and high pressure. The research findings demonstrate that this method is advantageous when the ionic strength of the system is sufficiently low. Additionally, under high pressure and temperature conditions, a change in the shape of Pt particles is observed, indicating the involvement of additional physical-chemical processes.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
P. Garcia-Ruiz, M. Uruen, M. Abian, M. U. Alzueta
Summary: This work experimentally and theoretically analyzes the ammonia oxidation at high pressure conditions (up to 40 bar) and within the temperature range of 600-1275 K. The effects of temperature, pressure, oxygen stoichiometry, and the presence of NO on the concentrations of NH3 and N2 as main products are investigated. The results show that increasing pressure or stoichiometry leads to a decrease in the conversion temperature of NH3. The main product of ammonia oxidation is N2, while the concentrations of NO, NO2, and N2O are below the detection limit under all considered conditions. The experimental results are successfully simulated and explained by a literature-based chemical kinetic mechanism.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
S. Thamarai Selvi, A. Jasira Banu, R. Sunitha, C. Balaji Ayyanar, C. Prakash
Summary: This study focuses on using underutilized Agave Americana fibres in yarn form and modifying their surface for enhancing the properties of composites. The treated yarns, braided for reinforcements, showed improved mechanical properties. The results suggest that these treatments and braided structure can be used for high-performance composite structures.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Leonardo Bandeira dos Santos, Rita de Cassia Freire Soares da Silva, Leonildo Pereira Pedrosa Jr, Rodrigo Dias Baldo, Mohand Benachour, Attilio Converti, Leonie Asfora Sarubbo, Valdemir Alexandre dos Santos
Summary: An induced pre-saturation tower (IPST) for oil-water separation was built on a semi-industrial scale, based on results obtained on a laboratory scale prototype. The efficiency of the bench scale prototype was increased by using a biosurfactant as an auxiliary collector. The validation of the developed criteria allowed the construction of an IPST with three stages, all fed with previously saturated effluents.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Bruno Augusto Cabral Roque, Pedro Pinto Ferreira Brasileiro, Yana Batista Brandao, Hilario Jorge Bezerra de Lima Filho, Attilio Converti, Bahar Aliakbarian, Mohand Benachour, Leonie Asfora Sarubbo
Summary: Incorporating microorganisms into cement to promote biomineralization in cracks of concrete can increase the useful life of concrete structures and bring energy and environmental benefits. This paper aims to improve the cascade system for biomineralization in cement by identifying the best hydrodynamic conditions in a reaction cell. The results showed that the geometry with the air outlet and inlet in the lateral region was considered to be the best option.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Hemir da Cunha Santiago, Jose Carlos da Silva Cavalcanti, Ricardo Bastos Cavalcante Prudencio, Mohamed A. Mohamed, Leonie Asfora Sarubbo, Attilio Converti, Manoel Henrique da Nobrega Marinho
Summary: Assets deteriorate over time due to various factors, and maintenance can only prolong their useful life to a certain extent. This study proposes a new methodology for estimating the remaining useful life (RUL) of assets, which considers multiple criteria to maximize asset value throughout its lifecycle. The experimental results with real datasets demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach. Additionally, an analytical tool has been developed to optimize asset renewal decisions using the proposed RUL estimation methodology, with its application to the Brazilian electric sector.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Carolina Deina, Joao Lucas Ferreira dos Santos, Lucas Henrique Biuk, Mauro Lizot, Attilio Converti, Hugo Valadares Siqueira, Flavio Trojan
Summary: Efficient policies for forecasting electricity demand are crucial for ensuring continuous energy supply. However, the selection of independent variables remains an unresolved issue. This study proposes a model that integrates a multi-criteria approach and artificial neural networks to forecast electricity demand in different countries, considering the specificities of each application. The results show that including variables selected by the multi-criteria approach improves the forecasting performance of artificial neural networks compared to traditional linear models, with Radial Basis Function Networks and Extreme Learning Machines being potential techniques to enhance the forecasting.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Bruno Augusto Cabral Roque, Pedro Pinto Ferreira Brasileiro, Yana Batista Brandao, Alessandro Alberto Casazza, Attilio Converti, Mohand Benachour, Leonie Asfora Sarubbo
Summary: The production of cement contributes to climate imbalance by emitting 5 to 7% of global carbon dioxide emissions. Biotechnology offers a solution by cultivating bacteria and fungi to synthesize calcium carbonate as a main component of cement. Bioconcrete can be delivered to concrete cracks through biomineralization and crystallization, assisted by microencapsulation that determines when crystallization is needed. This review explores the composition of Portland cement, analysis methods, deterioration, and the environmental and energetic benefits of using bioconcrete, as well as discussing the concept of carbon credits. The findings strengthen the potential of self-healing concrete in meeting the high demand for concrete and building a sustainable society.
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Karen G. O. Bezerra, Hugo M. Meira, Bruno O. Veras, Thayza C. M. Stamford, Emanuel L. Fernandes, Attilio Converti, Raquel D. Rufino, Leonie A. Sarubbo
Summary: In this study, surfactant-rich extracts from quinoa, soybean, and acerola were evaluated for their stability, antioxidant capacity, toxicity potential, and cleaning potential in shampoo formulations. The extracts remained stable under different temperature and pH conditions, exhibited antioxidant properties, and showed low or no toxicity in irritation tests. The extracts also demonstrated effective cleaning ability as primary surfactants in shampoo formulations. Seven shampoo formulations were developed, meeting standard requirements and having comparable or better sebum removal capacity than a commercial shampoo.
Review
Engineering, Chemical
Ranielly M. M. Batista, Attilio Converti, Juliano Pappalardo, Mohand Benachour, Leonie A. A. Sarubbo
Summary: This article provides a qualitative review of the main aspects and global trends in optimizing the biomass supply chain (BSC) using geographic information systems (GISs), linear programming (LP), and neural networks. It reviews the modeling objectives and factors considered in studies published in the last 25 years, highlighting the use of combined techniques for spatial analyses, higher heating value correlations, and achieving various objectives such as cost and emissions reduction.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Elena Spennati, Alessandro A. Casazza, Attilio Converti, Guido Busca
Summary: Current innovations in microalgae technology include the use of wastewater as a cultivation medium for renewable energy generation and wastewater treatment. This study investigated the thermal pyrolysis of a co-culture of Chlorella vulgaris and Arthrospira platensis grown in winery wastewater. The results showed that thermal pyrolysis can recover the energy potential of microalgae co-cultures used for wastewater treatment.
BIOMASS CONVERSION AND BIOREFINERY
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Chemical
Shabnam Mirizadeh, Saleh Al Arni, Mahmoud Elwaheidi, Alsamani A. M. Salih, Attilio Converti, Alessandro Alberto Casazza
Summary: Raw date palm waste was found to be an effective and environmentally friendly adsorbent for removing tetracycline and ciprofloxacin from water. The study examined the influence of various factors such as pH, biosorbent dose, antibiotic concentration, contact time, temperature, and salt concentrations. The pseudo-second-order model was the most suitable for describing the experimental data, and Langmuir and Dubinin-Radushkevich isotherms were found to be the best for TC and CIP adsorption, respectively. Thermodynamic parameters indicated that the process was spontaneous and endothermic.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING & TECHNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Ailton Goncalves, Gustavo O. Cavalcanti, Marcilio A. F. Feitosa, Roberto F. F. Dias Filho, Alex C. Pereira, Eduardo B. Jatoba, Jose Bione de Melo Filho, Manoel H. N. Marinho, Attilio Converti, Luis A. Gomez-Malagon
Summary: In order to ensure the performance of the electrical system, the Brazilian national electricity system operator requires at least two power supplies for the AC auxiliary systems of the Electric substations (ESS), and an emergency generator (EG) to supply energy to essential loads in case of failure of these sources. To improve the availability of auxiliary systems, a microgrid with photovoltaic systems and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) can be considered. This study focuses on the economic optimization of the PV/BESS system, taking into account the costs of equipment installation and maintenance, as well as the gains from the credits generated by the photovoltaic system in the net metering scheme, aiming to achieve a null total cost.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Julierme G. C. Oliveira, Yana B. Brandao, Dinaldo C. Oliveira, Jailson R. Teodosio, Cristiane M. Moraes, Attilio Converti, Alessandro Alberto Casazza, Leonie Asfora Sarubbo, Mohand Benachour
Summary: This research focuses on the p-cresol oxidation reaction in aqueous phase. A lab-scale batch reactor was used to optimize the reaction using advanced oxidation process (AOP) with hydrogen peroxide as the oxidizing agent. A maximum total organic carbon (TOC) conversion of 63% was achieved. The kinetic modeling of the oxidation process provides valuable information for in situ seawater treatment and reducing ocean contamination caused by offshore oil and gas exploration.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Guilherme Ferreira de Lima, William de Jesus Kremes, Hugo Valadares Siqueira, Bahar Aliakbarian, Attilio Converti, Carlos Henrique Illa Font
Summary: Small-scale wind turbines are important in distributed generation as they allow customers to produce electric energy using their own properties. The development of power electronics systems for small-scale wind turbines is a concern due to the need to balance cost, simplicity, efficiency, and performance. This paper presents the results of testing a three-phase phase-modular single-ended primary-inductance converter rectifier for processing the energy of a small-scale wind turbine system. The rectifier was able to process the non-sinusoidal three-phase system of the wind turbine and showed advantages such as using the generator's inductance as input filter inductor and simplicity of control.
Article
Agricultural Engineering
Alicia Paz, Carlo Solisio, Attilio Converti, Alessandro Alberto Casazza
Summary: Currently, there are limited sustainable alternatives for managing exhausted olive pomace (EOP), a hazardous waste from olive oil production. This study examined the use of organosolv pretreatment to enhance anaerobic digestion (AD) of EOP, either alone (mono-AD) or in co-digestion with sewage sludge (co-AD), in a pilot-scale reactor. It was found that shortening the acclimation phase improved methane production, with a specific productivity of 575.15 LCH4 kgVS-1 d-1. Although mono-AD outperformed co-AD in terms of biogas specific productivity, both strategies achieved similar levels of methane yield and biodegradability. The study highlights the potential of organosolv pretreatment to enhance AD and achieve zero waste in the olive oil sector.
INDUSTRIAL CROPS AND PRODUCTS
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sina Ebrahim Atakoohi, Elena Spennati, Alessandro A. Casazza, Paola Riani, Gabriella Garbarino
Summary: The study evaluated the pyrolysis of end-of-life olive stone under different operating parameters, finding that product composition was significantly influenced by the parameters, while changes in biomass particle size had a negligible effect.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mohamad Rais Hasan, Che Azurahanim Che Abdullah, Mustapha Nor Afizah, Mohd Sabri Mohd Ghazali, Mohd Adzahan Noranizan
Summary: This study evaluates the efficacy of ultrasound in the extraction process of calcium hydroxyapatite (HAp). The findings show that low-intensity and moderate-intensity ultrasonication reduce the whiteness index and yield of HAp, while high-intensity ultrasonication reduces particle size and improves crystallinity.
FOOD AND BIOPRODUCTS PROCESSING
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Barbara Flaibam, Rosana Goldbeck
Summary: This study evaluated the possibility of extracting proteins and obtaining hydrolysates from non-animal agro-industrial waste using enzymes for the production of cultured meat inputs. Results showed that the application of enzymes can maximize the use of protein from these wastes, providing a low-cost and environmentally friendly route with nutritional potential for cultured meat.
FOOD AND BIOPRODUCTS PROCESSING
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Robson Costa de Sousa, Ariany Binda Silva Costa, Marcos Daniel Martins Freitas, Maisa Tonon Bitti Perazzini, Hugo Perazzini
Summary: This study investigated the drying kinetics of black pepper through experimental and mathematical modeling approaches. The models developed provided valuable insights into the coupling between heat and mass transfers during the drying process, and accurately described the drying behavior of black pepper.
FOOD AND BIOPRODUCTS PROCESSING
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Ali Nikkhah, Hasan Nikkhah, Amir Shahbazi, Mona Kamelan Zargar Zarin, Duygu Beykal Iz, Mohammad-Taghi Ebadi, Mohammad Fakhroleslam, Burcu Beykal
Summary: Cumin and eucalyptus essential oils were enriched to meet ISO standards using a dynamic fractional distillation process. The optimization results showed low operating costs and potential for improving process efficiency.
FOOD AND BIOPRODUCTS PROCESSING
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Sakshi Gupta, Gargi Ghoshal
Summary: A study was conducted to prepare green gram protein hydrogel enriched with curcumin and evaluate its physicochemical properties. The results showed that the hydrogel had high encapsulation efficiency, swelling capacity, and antioxidant property. Furthermore, applying the hydrogel as a coating on tomatoes and apples proved to be effective.
FOOD AND BIOPRODUCTS PROCESSING
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Calvin Lo, Rene H. Wijffels, Michel H. M. Eppink
Summary: This study developed a novel strategy to separate dissolved oils from imidazole/hexanoic acid mixture and regenerate the solvent using polar antisolvents. By adding small amounts of water and methanol, high recovery of lipids was achieved, while ethanol required a large amount and caused solvent dilution.
FOOD AND BIOPRODUCTS PROCESSING
(2024)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Manoj Sawale, Patnarin Benyathiar, Pablo Coronel, Ajay Rawat, Josip Simunovic, Ferhan Ozadali, Dharmendra K. Mishra
Summary: Microwave and ohmic heating are popular choices for aseptic processing due to their rapid heating capabilities and better product quality. This study aims to find an alternative approach to simulate processing conditions by modeling and validating the process using surrogate particles and microorganisms. A mathematical model was used to simulate heat transfer in fluid and solid particles. The process was validated using simulated particles and surrogate microorganisms, with magnetic implants in spherical particles to measure residence time distribution. The microwave aseptic system was successfully validated for producing shelf-stable particulate food products.
FOOD AND BIOPRODUCTS PROCESSING
(2024)
